Homegrown Music is WVIA-FM's exclusive series which each week showcases the talents of regional contemporary music artists in recordings produced in the WVIA-FM studios by series host George Graham and is broadcast Tuesdays at 9:00 PM. A special feature during April is a live Homegrown Music concert broadcast in the 15th, plus an anthology of early sessions on the 23rd. Further information on Homegrown Music may be obtained via the World Wide Web at http://homegrownmusic.info and http://www.wvia.org/radio/wvia-fm-programs/homegrown-music

Apr. 2 Sarah Donner. A talented singer-songwriter from New Jersey, and self-described "cat lady," Sarah Donner last year released her CD Fossil of a Girl. This edition of Homegrown Music is an encore of a session Ms. Donner did in 2011 featuring some of her intelligent, appealing songs in a solo acoustic setting on guitar and baritone ukulele. (Rescheduled from February 12.)

Sarah Donner at WVIA

Tim Chaisson (left) with Koady Chaisson

Apr. 9 Tim Chaisson. This week Homegrown Music features one of the series' occasional guest appearances from an artist from outside the usual WVIA territory. Tim Chaisson is a outstanding and critically-praised young singer-songwriter from Prince Edward Island, Canada, who was paying a visit to NE Pennsylvania as part of his tour. His CD The Other Side was produced by Colin Linden, known for his work with Bruce Cockburn, and it has been featured frequently on WVIA's Mixed Bag. Chaisson makes his Homegrown Music debut performing some of the songs that have been establishing his reputation on both sides of the border. He appears with his cousin Koady Chaisson.

Apr. 15 A Live Homegrown Music Concert with BELLA RUSE and TORA. WVIA's unique monthly series of two-hour radio concert broadcasts continues with a pair of acts featuring outstanding women vocalists.

Bella Ruse is the duo of Kay Gillette and Joseph Barker, who perform original songs that often sound as if they were coming out of an old horn Victrola. Their witty lyrics, Ms. Gillette's absolutely charming vocals, and their distinctive instruments like a typewriter, has made their CD Kuhzoo one that has attracted attention nationwide. After their Homegrown Music studio session in 2011, they return for the their first live Homegrown Music concert appearance.

Bella Ruse at WVIA

Tora

Tora Fisher recently released her debut CD Spilling Over that highlights her powerful voice and adept songwriting. The daughter of Broadway producers, she was surrounded by music and the arts from an early age, and the path to a musical career seemed almost inevitable. Her debut CD has been featured on WVIA's Mixed Bag, and now Tora makes her Homegrown Music concert debut with a full band.

As usual, WVIA's supporting members and listeners are invited to attend the live concert broadcast originating from the station's Sordoni theater. Free reservations may be made by phone at 570-655-2808 or on-line at wvia.org. (Note Start time: 8:00 PM)

Apr. 16 Bob Malone. Singer-songwriter Bob Malone is known for his clever lyrics and virtuosic piano playing. In addition to releasing several of his own albums, he has been the keyboard player for John Fogerty's band in recent years. Malone has been a guest several times on the Homegrown Music concert series, but this encore presentation features him at the WVIA Steinway in a 2007 studio session.

Bob Malone at WVIA in 2007

Apr. 23 A Homegrown Music Archive Special: Early Sessions. April 23, 2013 marks the 40th anniversary of the sign-on of WVIA-FM, and the presentation of regional artists has been part of the station since the beginning. This special goes deep into the archive for some memorable early sessions from the 1970s.

Jesse Terry (second from left) with his band at WVIA

Apr. 30 Jesse Terry. A fine singer-songwriter who has lived in the New York area and Nashville, Jesse Terry released his second CD Empty Seat on a Plane in 2012, and Mixed Bag and Homegrown Music producer George Graham selected it for the weekly album review series and gave it high praise. Terry makes his Homegrown Music debut with a specially assembled band performing some new material not available on the CD.

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